Use additional boat cover tie downs for trailering.

Making sure your boat and cover are secure while trailering is important not only to prevent damage to your boat but to ensure the safety of other drivers on the road.

Tie downs serve two important functions: securing the boat to the trailer (typically at the bow, gunwale and/or transom) and securing the cover to the boat.

Boat Trailer Tie Downs

The bow strap secures the bow of the boat to the trailer tongue. Do not rely on the winch strap to secure the bow. The gears and cable on a trailer winch—whether electric or manual—are not designed to hold a load and may fail during trailering. Always use a tie down other than the winch strap to secure the bow to the trailer.

Gunwale straps stretch over the width of the aft section of the boat and secure the boat to the trailer, preventing the boat from bouncing on the bunks or rollers.

Transom straps secure the boat transom to the trailer and restrict vertical and lateral movement of the boat while trailering.

Tie downs with ratchet straps and padding are the safest way to secure your boat to the trailer. Ratchets ensure a tight fit, and padding protects your boat’s finish from scratches and wear. Make sure the tie downs do not cross any sharp edges that could fray the straps and compromise the safety of your boat.

Boat Cover Tie Downs

Before using your boat cover for trailering, make sure it is approved for trailer use. Trailerable covers are generally made from thicker material and offer a tighter, more secure fit that is able to withstand the forces of high speed travel.

The number of cover tie downs needed for trailering varies, depending on boat size and how the cover fits. As a general guideline, use additional cover tie downs for trailering, as compared to how many straps you use for storage. Make sure the straps do not cross over any sharp edges that could damage the strap and boat cover.

Keep your pontoon cover clean and free of snow, dirt, and leaves.

Your pontoon cover will provide the most protection if it is kept clean and free of debris, leaves, and snow. The protective coatings on the cover are designed to work best when they are clean and clear of obstruction.

Dirt and other elements tend to eat away at the special UV and weather resistant coatings, destroying their effectiveness. Dirt, snow, and leaves can also clog up the pores and vents in the fabric, trapping moisture inside.

To allow the cover to do its work in protecting your pontoon, you should keep the cover clean and free of debris.

Cleaning the Cover

Your pontoon cover may be treated with special UV and weather resistant coatings. If so, we recommend that the cover be cleaned with a soft brush and lukewarm water only. The cover may be machine washed in COLD water with NO SOAP. The use of soap or detergent may remove the protective coatings added by the factory and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. The cover should be line dried but may also be machine dried on a delicate or air only setting.

Brushing Off Snow and Leaves

In the fall and winter months, keep the pontoon cover free of leaves and snow. Use a push broom to clear the leaves and snow off of the cover. Every time you clear the driveway and sidewalks after a snowfall, make it a habit to brush off the pontoon cover as well.

Storing the Cover

Some manufacturers, including DuraShield, include a storage bag with their cover. Prior to storing the cover, make sure it is completely dry and free of any large debris.

Boat Cover Support Pole

The DuraShield boat cover support is constructed of 1″ aluminum tubing that is lightweight and corrosion resistant. The support pole includes anti-slip rubber ends to keep it in place and a thumb set adjustment knob. The telescoping pole adjusts from 36 to 64 inches and can be used to support any area of the cover. Depending on the size of your boat or pontoon, you may need to use more than one support pole.

Features:

• 1″ Aluminum Tube
• Resists Corrosion
• Telescope Adjustment
• 36″ to 64″ Height Adjustment
• 1 per package

Now available for only $15.99 with FREE shipping. For more information, visit our product page.

Trailerable Boat Cover Installation Diagram

See the installation steps below to secure your cover for trailering or storage. These instructions are designed specifically for DuraShield boat covers; however, they may also apply to covers from other manufacturers.

To Install Your Boat Cover:

1. Cover any sharp points or edges on the boat (such as the corners of the windshield) with a cloth or sponge to avoid rips or tears when the cover is strapped tightly across the boat.
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2. Find the label with arrows, sewn into the hem of the cover, that indicates “Front.” Drape the front of the cover over the bow. Then roll the cover back over the boat and pull down the sides. The elastic hem or shock cord will help secure it in place.
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Boat Cover Strap System

3. Use tie down straps to secure the cover to the boat. Each tie down system works differently. The following instructions apply specifically to the DuraShield Boat Cover tie down system. Connect four straps (A) to the four lower buckles (C) on one side of the cover and run the straps underneath the trailer beams to the other side of the boat. Connect the other end of the straps into the lower buckles (C) on the other side of the cover.
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4. Connect four straps (B) to the four upper buckles (D) on one side of the cover and run the straps over the top of the cover through the loops. Connect these straps to the upper buckles (D) on the other side of the cover.
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5. After connecting all of the straps, cinch the straps down tight for a secure fit.

Boat Trailering Tips

Be sure to use, tighten, and secure all straps and hooks when transporting your boat on a trailer or open vehicle. Failure to do this may cause the cover to blow off and cause injury to others. It may also result in damage to the cover.

After driving a short distance, stop and check to make sure the boat and cover are secure. Tighten the straps as needed. Continue to check the boat and cover at all rest stops along the way. We recommend the use of additional tie downs for high speed travel.

Boat Cover Reviews (V-Hull, Runabouts, Fish/Ski, Inboard/Outboard)

Trailerable Fish/Ski Boat Cover

“The size and the straps works well. I tried the straps for the cover support but twice after a heavy rain large amount of water were trapped in the middle of the cover. I built a cover support using pvc pipes and I am waiting for another heavy rain to see if this cover support works. I think that the price is reasonable but one has to buy or build a cover support that works.”
- Manuel

“I have a 14 ft alum. boat & 10 hp Merc. motor. The cover extends over both perfect. Great cover and decently priced. Would recommend to others.”
- D. Johnson

Fishing Boat Cover Reviews

“I couldn’t believe how fast they shipped out this boat cover. I believe I ordered it on a Sunday and received it on Tuesday…. It is a really nice cover for the money.”
- “SleeplessnScandia”

Like these reviews? Take a look at our high quality, affordable boat covers by DuraShield!

Pontoon Boat Cover Installation Diagram

The following instructions are designed specifically for the DuraShield Pontoon Cover, but they apply universally to many other covers on the market. See your owners manual for more detailed instructions.

1. Cover any sharp points or edges on the pontoon with a cloth or sponge to avoid rips or tears when the cover is strapped tightly across the pontoon.
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2. Find the yellow label with arrows sewn into the hem of the cover that indicates “Front.” Drape the front of the cover over the bow. Then roll the cover back over the pontoon and pull down the sides.
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Pontoon cover strap system

3. Use tie down straps to secure the cover to the boat. Each tie down system works differently. The following instructions apply specifically to the DuraShield Pontoon Cover tie down system, which includes eight tie down straps with quick-release buckles.
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4. Connect four straps (A) to the four lower buckles (C) on one side of the cover and run the straps underneath the trailer beam to the other side of the pontoon. Connect the other end of the straps into the lower buckles (C) on the other side of the cover.
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5. Connect four straps (B) to the four upper buckles (D) on one side of the cover and run the straps over the top of the cover. Connect these straps to the upper buckles (D) on the other side of the cover.
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6. After connecting all of the straps, cinch the straps down tight for a secure fit.

Be sure to use, tighten, and secure all straps and hooks when transporting your pontoon on a trailer or open vehicle. Failure to do this may cause the cover to blow off and cause injury to others. It may also result in damage to the cover.

After driving a short distance, stop and check to make sure the pontoon and cover are secure. Tighten the straps as needed. Continue to check the pontoon and cover at all rest stops along the way. We recommend the use of additional tie downs for high speed travel.

Fishing Boat Cover Installation Diagram

The following steps are specifically written for the DuraShield Fishing Boat Cover, but they are general enough to apply to most boat covers. Refer to your manufacturer’s instruction manual for detailed instructions.

1. Cover any sharp points or edges on the boat (such as the corners of the windshield) with a cloth or sponge to avoid rips or tears when the cover is strapped tightly across the fishing boat.
a
2. Find the label with arrows, sewn into the hem of the cover, that indicates “Front.” Drape the front of the cover over the bow. Then roll the cover back over the boat and pull down the sides. The elastic hem or shock cord will help secure it in place.


Boat Cover Strap System

3. Use tie down straps to secure the cover to the boat. Each tie down system works differently. The following instructions apply specifically to the DuraShield Fishing Boat Cover tie down system. Connect three straps (A) to the lower buckles (C) on one side of the cover and run the straps underneath the boat to the other side. Connect the other end of the straps into the lower buckles (C) on the other side of the cover.
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4. Connect three straps (B) to the upper buckles (D) on one side of the cover and run the straps over the top of the cover through the loops. Connect these straps to the upper buckles (D) on the other side of the cover.
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5. Connect the two remaining tie down straps to the buckles on the rear of the cover and secure the straps to the trailer frame.
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6. After connecting all of the straps, cinch the straps down tight for a secure fit.

Be sure to use, tighten, and secure all straps and hooks when transporting your boat on a trailer or open vehicle. Failure to do so may cause the cover to blow off and cause injury to others. It may also result in damage to the cover.

New! Trailerable Pontoon Boat Cover

This trailerable cover is great for highway travel and towing as well as indoor or outdoor storage. The 600 denier polyester is a heavy duty, marine grade material designed to withstand the stress of trailering and the day-to-day exposure to the elements. The cover is breathable, mildew resistant, and UV coated to protect from water damage and sun damage.

This pontoon cover comes with 8 straps to secure the cover on the road and a color-matched storage bag for your convenience. This durable cover is backed by a 5 Year DuraShield Warranty.

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After rinsing the boat with fresh water, allow the boat to dry completely before installing the cover.

Using a boat cover around salt water is basically the same as using it around fresh water. In both cases, the boat cover needs to be cleaned regularly. Depending on the amount of salt to which your boat cover is exposed, it may need to be cleaned more often. Salt water leaves behind residue that attracts moisture, which can result in mildew.

After you rinse your boat with fresh water, allow it to dry completely before installing the boat cover. Since most saltwater areas are quite humid, it’s important to wait until the boat dries before covering it. Otherwise, mold and mildew will begin to grow on the cover.

Protect your jet ski with a breathable boat cover.

What Happens When Moisture Gets Trapped?

First, trapped water or condensation can damage the boat’s interior, including the bilge, hull, and fabric materials. Cushions tend to soak up moisture, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. If the cushions are removable, the best option is to remove the cushions and store them in a dry, protected indoor area.

Second, trapped moisture can damage the boat cover. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, and your boat cover is no exception. Mold growth will weaken the cover and compromise the protection that it provides for your boat or jet ski.

How Do I Make Sure My Boat Cover Can Breathe?

Even if the boat cover you purchase is clearly labeled as breathable, there are a few things you need to remember in order for the venting system to work properly.

First, throwing a tarp (or any other covering) over the boat cover will negate the venting system by trapping the moisture underneath the tarp. Do not put anything else on top of a breathable cover.

Second, keep the cover free of dirt and debris, which can plug up the breathable material and promote mold and mildew growth. Wash the cover as needed to keep it clean.

Finally, don’t allow pools of water to stand on the cover. They can compromise the water resistant properties of the cover, which leaves your boat vulnerable to moisture damage.

Take good care of your boat and your breathable cover, and your boat and cover will last for years to come!